Burbage bookies is raided at gunpoint

CCTV images of two people Warwickshire Police want to trace in connection with two robberies and an attempted robbery at Corals Bookmakers in Rugby and Burbage

Share

Get weekly updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

Armed police, dogs and a riot van surrounded a Burbage bookies after an armed robbery.

The incident took place at 8.25pm last Wednesday at the Coral bookmakers in Tilton Road.

Two men burst into the shop and threatened both staff and customers with what was believed to be a firearm.

The men escaped with cash from the till. No one was hurt during the incident.

One of the suspects was wearing a motorcycle helmet and the other was wearing a hooded top and scarf which covered his face.

Coral betting shop in Tilton Road, Burbage

In the interests of public and officer safety officers from the armed response team were deployed to the incident.

The investigation is in its early stages and police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed it to contact them.

Detective Constable 1939 Gary Dunigan said: “There were both customers and staff in the shop at the time of the incident and understandably they have been left quite shocked by what’s happened, luckily no one was hurt.

“From enquiries we’ve conducted so far it’s believed the suspects may have made of towards a field hich runs between Tilton Road and Featherston Drive.

“If you witnessed the incident or you saw any suspicious activity around the bookmakers or in the field last Wednesday evening and you haven’t yet spoken to the police then please come forward. If you’ve heard any rumours about who may be responsible or you know anything about the incident then please contact us.”

Michelle Steele was working at Premier Store, which is metres from the bookies, when the robbery took place. She said: “There were police with guns and dogs and a helicopter.

“It was a customer who came in and told me the police were outside. When I looked there were about four police cars and a riot van and dog unit.

“Last year the newsagents around the corner was robbed but other than that it’s really quiet around here.

“It does make me nervous but my boss came in yesterday after it happened so that made me feel a little bit better.”

The robbery is also being linked with two other incidents in the Rugby area where two other Coral bookmakers were targeted.

The first armed robbery took place at 6.25pm on Tuesday February 11 at Corals Bookmakers on The Green in Bilton. The next day, about one hour before the Burbage incident, an attempted robbery was reported at 7.30pm at Corals bookmakers in Hillmoreton Road, Rugby.

Police have released images of two men they want to trace in connection with the incidents.

CCTV images of two people Warwickshire Police want to trace in connection with two robberies and an attempted robbery at Corals Bookmakers in Rugby and Burbage

One image shows one of the offenders wearing a ¾ length green and Khaki camouflage jacket with a “Scorpion” make motorcycle helmet which is grey and heavily patterned with a blue visor.

The image clearly shows the offender holding what appears to be a long barrelled air weapon which is being pointed at the door of one of the premises.

A second person stands beside the offender, dressed in a dark Nike hooded top with the hood pulled up.

Witnesses report this person also having a dark coloured scarf across their face.

CCTV images of two people Warwickshire Police want to trace in connection with two robberies and an attempted robbery at Corals Bookmakers in Rugby and Burbage

Detective Inspector Roy Wheelwright from Rugby CID said: “We are working with police colleagues in Leicestershire because we believe the same people are involved in all three incidents.

“The camouflage jacket and motorcycle helmet seen in the CCTV images are particularly distinct, especially when worn together and we would like to hear from anyone who knows of anyone with clothing matching these two items.”

Anyone with any information should contact Warwickshire Police on 101 and ask to speak to Rugby CID, or Leicestershire Police on 101 and ask to speak to Det Constable 1939 Gary Dunigan.